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Impressive wines well paired to serve with turkey dinner

Maze of inviting labels include some classic tastes

If you are looking for some suggestions of wine that will pair well with a turkey dinner, here's a caseload.

Photograph by: Nick Lees, The Journal
, The Edmonton Journal

Few homes in the land won't enjoy a bottle of wine over the festive season.

And yet it can be a bit of a task to find exactly what will go best with the turkey.

There's such a selection on liquor store shelves these days that the occasional imbiber may become lost in a maze of inviting labels. The best thing to serve is the wine you enjoy the most. But some wines do pair better with turkey, a spicy stuffing and cranberries.

Here are some suggestions, which get a little more weighty in mouthfeel as we move down the list.

Even if the exact bottle of wine isn't in your favourite store, ask for help. There will be something quite similar at hand.

Franz Haas Kris Pinot Grigio, Veneto, Italy, 2006, $18. This family-run estate has been making wine in Friuli since 1880. Flowers, pears and almonds on the nose. Strong hints of lime on the palate, with a slight touch of honey. A clean, crisp, refreshing white.

Cline Viognier, Sonoma, Calif., 2006, $19. Lovely aromas of stonefruits -- apricots, nectarine and peach -- with a full-bodied, oily texture and a citrus aftertaste. An especially good choice if you are looking for an aperitif or serving seafood appetizers.

Fleur du Cap Unfiltered Chardonnay, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2006, $23. A full-bodied, dry style of Chardonnay that has been left on lees to produce that smoky, creamy style that marries well with its tropical fruits. Bottled unfiltered, it is a massive white that requires bold food to stand up to it. Don't hold back on the spice in the dressing.

Cave Spring Estate Bottled Riesling, Niagara, Ont., 2006, $23. A flinty nose with some grapefruit, lime zest and a slight touch of petrol. The palate suggests lime and citrus. A slight sweetness suggests it will go well with candied yams and honey-glazed ham.

Lucien Albrecht Gewurztraminer Reserve, Alsace, France, 2005, $21. Gewurztraminer means "spicy," and this textbook version is typical with hints of rose petals, lychee nuts, grapefruit and citrus. The palate suggests passion fruit, with some citrus notes. It's off-dry style makes it a winner with the fixings of a Christmas dinner.

Michel Chapoutier Chateau des Estubiers Rose, Rhone Valley, France, 2006, $17. A certified organic, dry rose made by Chapoutier, one of France's most respected winemakers. It's a harmonious Grenache-Syrah blend that speaks of fruit, the earth and spice. An excellent fruit-acid balance finish it keeps it lively and fresh.

Gray Monk Latitude Fifty Rose, Okanagan, B.C, 2005, $15.49. Made from Gamay (Beaujolais) grapes, this off-dry wine has an aroma of maraschino cherries, ripe berries and exotic spices. In the mouth, some rhubarb notes with a touch of pepper on the finish. An excellent pairing for the cranberries.

Georges du Boeuf Brouilly Beaujolais, France, 2006, $17. This Cru Beaujolais is an excellent choice for someone who enjoys a lighter-styled but juicy red. It presents itself in a bowling pin-shaped bottle and offers fresh raspberry, plum and violet aromas. Some crisp, tart acidity and wet-earth notes on the palate. Hints of pomegranate in the finish.

Drylands Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2006, $22. A keenly priced, impressive, elegant, medium-bodied wine showing bright-cherry and strawberry fruit. Hints of herbes de provence give this New World red the touch of finesse associated with classy Burgundies. Abundant fruit framed by the deft use of oak.

Cedar Creek Platinum Reserve Pinot Noir, Kelowna, B.C, 2005, $45. This is the flagship Pinot Noir of this much-acclaimed winery. Aromas of coffee, mocha, ripe cherries, raspberries and cloves. It was aged in French oak, which lends some vanilla and creaminess. Supple tannins and a long, velvety finish.

Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot, Columbia Valley, Washington, 2004, $21. A great buy and rated in the Wine Spectator's Top 100 wines for 2007. A big, ripe, black-cherry and cocoa bouquet, with a hint of cedar. In the mouth, chocolate, mocha and black currants.